A Noisy Singaporean

Inspiring - Lady Caliphs of Atlanta High School Girls Basketball

Powered by Qumana

Our World - Zein Bhikka

Every morning on every news flash
I hear the sorrow of the world
It seems like everybody's lost and
Scared trying to make sense of it all
And as I travel to and fro, so many faces pass me by
I see lonely hearts living lonely lives just biding their time
And while we call ourselves civilized, many people living empty lives
As they drone their way through day and night

Chorus

I pray for our world, I pray for every child
I pray for our world to be filled with smiles
Like the colours of a rainbow and not just black and white
I pray for our world to be filled with light
I pray for all of us, to choose the path that's right
To believe in Allah every day of our lives

In the evening on the TV news, I see images of war.
I see brother killing brother with no consequence at all.
And while those who claim to be leaders, sell us tales of deceit.
But Allah alone know in their hearts what they reveal and conceal.
And while we call ourselves civilized,
We go on killing human lives
Too caught up in our own web of lies

Chorus

Every mother, every father, every daughter, every son
Don't you see, that the answer lies only with the ONE

Powered by Qumana

14th July - A Wish

"How do you get a present for someone who has mostly everything?", said my brother-in-law. He was of course referring to his predicament in trying to get me a gift for my 37th birthday.

 

The day started as it has always had, with God's blessing I woke. My first reaction is of of curse to be grateful that I have past 36 and into 37. Some people were not as lucky. As fate had it, they may have passed away. I too would had died long ago, when I narrowly avoided death in a road accident when I was 9 years old. (I will recount that story in another blog).

Woke up, washed, bathed, ablution and I woke Fir and Faiz. Later I sat to pray witr, read my favourite surah. On that day I was at Al Baqoroh (5:10), read Juz Amma, tried memorising Al-Ghashiyah (The Overwhelming Event, The Pall) and together after waking up dada we prayed and read our supplications aloud.

My prayers as usual are simple. To thank the Lord for giving me all  things, endowments and stewardship over my family over the years. For giving me good times and bad times. All syukr to Allah for he is the compassionate and to him I will return one day.

Then it was the gifts. They came in a plenty. Fir and Dada gave me beautiful handwritten cards. I bluetacked them on my office cabinet. A maroon, leaf motif Raoul shirt from Faiz and a call from my mother wishing me a happy birthday and a small prayer from her to me for Allah to strengthen my iman, will and to get baraqah in all the things I do. Dad called later from his cab. A simple wish but meaningful nonetheless. Later Bi and Siraj called to wish me a great day ahead and reminded me of the many beautiful gifts in my life. I cannot disagree more. The feeling of being important enough to someone to have called so early in the morning was very special to me. I had a good breakfast. Actually its the same breakfast I have been having. *LOL* but I enjoyed it to the last dollop (4 egg whites, 5 slices of wholemeal Gardenia bread + Arabica Coffee with Skim Milk and 2 spoons of Nestum and Oats + Fybogel).

Stomach filled and spirits high, I left home with  a sleeping Rayn in the backseat. While driving him to mum house and heading towards school later, my spirits lifted and with a happy heart I looked forward to the entire day.

While driving some thoughts came to my mind. "I have been truly blessed in every way possible.Many of my dreams have been fulfilled. In fact I am close to running out of dreams. I have been given a great life and the journey that was behind me has been  full of pleasant surprises. Who would have  thought a boy growing up from a one room flat in Kallang with Hokkien speaking and expletives abusing neighbours, a child who is often sickly, a child whose parents are  financially disadvantaged  would one day be in a position to impact even more people to become better persons that they thought they could?. Actually it was not a case of despite of my background, it was really inspite of it, that it gave me a kind of hunger in wanting to excel."

I remembered going to houses where  mum washed the clothes of our neighbours just to earn extra income. I remembered looking at all the wonderful toys that the children of my mum's employers had, it wasnt envy that coursed through me, it was more of; I can get those things one day, I just know it.

This hunger tempered my will. And with my madrasah background, the teachings I received from my ustaz and ustazahs in Radin Mas Religious School, and my parents who reminded me often to doa to Allah, I overcame my limitations and found a goal in wanting to do well in school. Whatever toys I did not have, I would invent it. I remembered inventing monopoly from drawing block paper so that me and my sister can play. 

My role models in my school days were really my seniors in Gan Eng Seng Sec whom I looked up to, till this day. Also Saifuddin, Perry Lim, Hanafiah from RJC were icons that I modelled myself after. There were more, but these chaps give me a good run. For whatever I lacked, they had in abundance. For whatever of my shortcomings, these guys were superman. It was with careful observation that I picked up some skills, short cuts, study tips from them. Most of them are doing very well now, but personally all that somehow do not matter anymore. 

I have come to a certain realisation long ago that I can never be like them, but I am happy with what I have.

By God's grace I have been given an extraordinary life. I have seen things, observed people, witnessed tragedies, celebrated weddings, got married, received my three precious gems from their mummy's wombs, married my best friend, teaching history (my passion), am at peace with my family and friends and most importantly my spiritual compass is locked in one direction - towards God.

At 37 I had tried to live a life according to the ways of our blessed prophet. I am able to read the Quran well. My Arabic is improving. I am happier 37 than I was 36 and this is mainly because of two reasons. One is faith. I have seeked and prayed harder this year and he has responded. Secondly in one word - Anderson Secondary School.

In Anderson I found my peace. I found my beat and this lifted my spirits. Like what Shakespeare said in Henry IV of Falstaff 'A certain jauntiness in the man's stride I see', I am happy coming to school every day. Its really funny, but I really put in as much time, effort and energy as I did in Swiss, but in Anderson I simply get much much more in return. Either it is the students that I worked with or the sense of collegiality in the staff room, I enjoyed every bit of it. While driving to school that morning, I never expected anything out of the ordinary would happen but I was proven wrong.

As usual my day was packed. It was social studies lesson. Nothing was amissed when the lesson ended and the bell rang for recess, instead of leaving the AVT my students from 4/4 and 4/5 did not leave. At this point I was pretty oblivious as I was happily omni dazzling on my mac book. Then, something caught my attention when someone pulled a table right in front of me. 

The rest of the class did not leave or proceed to the canteen, and some were waiting for some action to take place. Then it occurred to me that they had planned and gotten a birthday cake for me. Thanks to the digital age, by birthday was easily accessible from facebook. 

Everything happened in a whizz from that point onwards, very quickly and as usual my initial reactions were never my best. A chocolate cake appeared, candles were lit, people surrounded me and I was told to make a speech. I fumbled it big time. For starters I said I was 38, instead of 37, what a joke!. The rest of the speech was not my best  when I was told to make a wish, i said that I need more time  to think about it and would post it on my blog. So below you will see my wish. But I sounded awful that day. I was incoherent and putrid at best. I would have disappointed many. The problem is, I have to really think and I need time to say something meaningful. Anyway I fumbled but the entire occasion left a lasting impression on me.

Over my twelve years of teaching, I never had a cake which was brought in by my students on my birthday. This was a first. I remembered when I was the form teacher in RJC, I would sneak off during my free periods and get ice cream cakes at Swensen's in Holland Village. I would celebrate my birthday with my form class. This time around, having the students planned, paying with their own money was truly special, almost reverential to me. I was ecstatic. We took lots of pictures, ate the beautiful cake (chocolate mousse my special favourite!) and the entire recess was spent wit 4/4, 4/5 and even 4/2 came to join me and the rest. Many skipped recess just to spend time with me.I would never forget this gesture for as long as I lived.

Ok so here is my wish. Its not really a wish but here it goes

The journey of life is a long arduous and treacherous one. It is unfair, cruel and like what Hobbes said 'short and brutish'. To navigate the meanders and the ravines you must be well prepared. To many people they assumed doing well is the O levels is what I wished for . Somehow the idea that if they'd do well in the subject it will reflect well, or at least professionally on me. How far from the truth that is? Firstly I wish that they will do extremely well in all the subjects that they are sitting and secondly doing well in the O levels is not for me, but rather it is a first step in a long journey that allows you to soar even higher. You need to be groomed in both physically and mentally. The place to get this is at the next level, in the JCs and here I mean. you need to get a place where you will meet peers of your equals, peers who can push you further and stretch you to the point that you truly transform. It was said that it takes another diamond to cut one diamond. That is true for people too. It takes a herd of lions to make one into a lion. Andersonians I feel can unlock their potential when they are in an environment of high ability, high achieving people. They are adaptive enough to be able to blend in and from afar look and adjust their outlook and take actions to improve themselves.From there there will move on to even greater valleys and mountains and hopefully along the way help other travellers in this journey of life.

Yes. We know that. We want that. Question is how? My Answer is Discipline, buckle down, get rid of the noise, don't give up, think that you can make it, maximise every minute from now on, do not listen to criticisms, do not remember past mistakes, get rid of the boyfriend or girlfriends, stay up late, mug and press on. Soldier on. You will get there. You know you can. If its a question of willingness, hang around with people who are keener in studying. If its a question of ability get the help of your teachers. There is no time to be shy.

So to Ajeeta, Chen Chen, Bao Zhen, Salomone, Elsye, Eunike, Fenny, Xiaoshi, Haiys, Izyan, Pei Xuan, Jefferson, Tamaryn, Yanning, Christine, Vishnu, Li Yuan, Benjamin, Kavin, Pei Shi,Vivian, Adlyn, Faatihah, Syafiqah, Nuramira,Afiqah,Azira,Jia Chin, Prashan, R Arvind, R Arvindren, Rayner, Shi Maolei, Bryan Soh, Stephanie, Xue Jie, Eddie tan, Zhi Xin, Beatrice, Vivegan, Shenya, Ting Hui, Edmund, Gladys, Hazel, Angie, Blodwen, Cara, Guo Wei, Regina, Zi Jian, Dai Li, Daphne, Geraldine, Gabriella, Xiu Hui, Gabriel, Jian Shen, Indumathi, Janice, Ji Ran, Yao Hong, Kenneth Yip, Yeow Peng, Ya Hui, Joe Wei, Lucas, Ma ia, Hilmi A, Hilmi N, Syafiq, Su Hui, Yin Shern, Joseph, Ting Jun, Sean, Su Xian, Jerrica, Syafinah, Gwendy, Yong Jia, Shi Hui, Clint, Jiemin, Shihui, Li Wei, Shi Yu, Alston, Jun Wei, Aravin, Caecilia, Si Ying, David Chew, Yu Ling, Sarah, Jia Wen, Deveraj, Frederick, Grace, Hosanna, Jinghui, Irina, Joshua, Joyce, Julia Png, Hui Shan, Bo Cheng, Kun Yan, Yi QIng, Kan Heng, Cheng ing, Kia XIn, Michelle , Livy, Eugene, Syaswan, Zulilmi, Nadzirah, Jiaxin, Farah, Pauline, Phyllis, Yixuan, Bee Leng, BoYao, Jo Ann, Cherlyn, Ryofred, Florence, Teck Chye, Meng Ling, Adeline Yap, Amos, Cheryl Lim, Jun Ying, Yong Xiang, Kiu Yan, Jerald, Teng Hong, Amelia Koh, Yi Ting, Lam Hui Min, Abaraham, Lin Kai, Harris, Yannan, Min Jun, Adeline Liew, Cassandra, Lydia, Kelicia, Sheryl Low, Tian Hui, Alvin, Imran, Matiin, Shafeeq, Zafrullah, Nazri, Naomi.. Jia Hui, Palwinder, Zeyu, rachel, Fan Xiang, Min yi, Yan Jun, Ying Jie, Olivia, Zi Yun, Michelle, Yee Ru, Min Ying, Hong Teng, Guanqiao, Yuelin, Adam, Tian Cheng, Kimberly, Carolyn, Kai Ting, Dexter, Lionel, Eric, Basil, Ian, Johnathan, Lavanya, Jinghua, Leonard, Clara, Zuhri, Haliff, Wei Jun, Ashraf, Aisyah, Rathi, Reihan, Rumizah, Xian Fu, Sherlin, Jefferson, Aisyah Rozali, Stella ANg, Tara, Qi Yu and Eileen Yeo togetehr with students from 4/1 and 5/1 that I dont have the privilege of getting to know, I sincerely wish that you ALL will be able to to meet your personal expectations on what you want to get out of your Anderson experience.

I wish you every success in the O's and in life. Its been a pleasure getting along this far but we still have to finish the job properly. I hope to be able to celebrate with each and everyone of you next year.

As I said to you then in the AVT when we were eating chocolate cake, once we part ways you lose a teacher but you get a friend. Till then I will do all that I can to make sure you complete what you have set out to do and in the process, make a difference to yourselves. Then only can you stand shoulder to shoulder with people who are far superior from you in terms of intellect and other natural endowments.

There is a line in the bible that says "that when the banquet is laid but nobody comes" but when you truly become the best that you can, then life itself becomes the  banquet, showing you a world full of possibilities, a world of light and beauty . A world that you can partake and a world that you contribute and bring joy to.

You will get there.

Powered by Qumana vvvv

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

Michael Jackson at his best. Truly mesmerising. Take No Prisoner attitude and timed perfection, a pro at his best doing what he is truly great at - entertaining the world.

I was thinking very hard about Michael Jackson ever since news of his passing hits me. I wasn't intent on writing about him on my blog as quite simply, I thought he or any other pop stars would and should  not affect me anymore.  He was a product of my pre-pubescent years, and I remembered in primary five (1983) when I was astounded to learn that the voice on the radio singing Beat It was that of a man, a man whom I later learn to Michael Jackson.

Part of the reason of the sense of detachment over his death, I guess was that you 'out-grew' your pop stars once you hit your mid 30s, they (pop starts, et all) no longer become the moral, style, wardrobe compass or any compass at all. All I ever did was to get his Essential CD Collection and last I heard his songs was on a road trip to Malaysia.  So I tried to detach, delete and move on. I believe the loss would be more terribly felt by the 30 somethings who never outgrew Michael and those of who idolise him would be the rightful ones to  mourn over  his death. The last 'mourning period' that I went through for someone not from my family was over Princess Diana's death. That took me a while to shake it off, and even till now when I hear Elton John's rendition of 'Candle in the Wind' I go queasy so I knew that I need to stay away from thinking about Micheal's death. It was easy as not  listening to his music for some time and the lack of news from him, made it possible for me to get his death out of my system until...

Days after his death, news on TV, footages of young, black and white Jackson came on, Fir and Dada started  asking me more about Michael Jackson. They asked me why was he great? What I knew about him? and was he like Justin Timberlake?.

I was going like 'What? How can anyone compare the dance maestro to Timberlake? You mean you guys never seen Michael sing or dance before?' , I retorted. And then reality sank in,  that is when I realise that Micheal's music had stopped playing for a while and a whole generation grew up not knowing who he was.

This is a story that happened in 1987.

 I was in Class 3G in an all boys school and it was the time of the year when most of us knew that a mega event was about to happen. Michael Jackson’s BAD Album has just been sold off the shelves in music stores in Singapore the day before. I went to school that day not thinking that it would be a memorable day. During the second period, the boys in my class was hushing and whispering to each other. A friend of mine  (forgotten his name) has just gotten hold of the tape. We were supposed to have listening comprehension exercise, and we were supposed to go to the language lab for listening comprehension when the second period ends. Our English teacher, a strict no nonsense lady would be waiting for us at the door to the lab and we better hurry and walk in an orderly fashion to avoid her wrath. 

Language labs in those days were specially built rooms with cubicles and every student would be sitting in one with a headphone over his ears. The idea was to learn language through listening. It was a technique that was quite popular in those days and I believed it has something to do with phonics. But in, reality it was quite funny as at times the voices we hear in our headphones had a funny accent and you could hear some of the boys imitating the twang and pronouncing them loudly in their cubicles. It was hilarious,  as at times we had to listen to English dialogue from a British, American as well as an Australian speaker and recite it afterward and strive for diction, enunciation and clarity. Oh boy, those were the days.!

Anyway we made our way to the language labs and we were running late as there was now excitement in the air and we were all wanting to get a view of BAD’s album cover. In doing so, we caused quite a bit of commotion. Not only were we late, and had our teacher waiting, but we knew our friend was in deep, deep trouble as Miss Kaur had spotted the tape as it was being passed from one boy to the other. I felt sad for the person who brought the tape to school as such items were considered ‘contraband’ in those days and would be confiscated by any teacher.

The teacher was a young, pretty, energetic Punjabi lady and we could all see the frustration and grimace on her face as she held the tape in her hands. We all figured out that she would confiscate the tape straightaway. But guess what? That did not happen!

What did happen was quite the opposite. She told the class that she would do something different. It was going to extra special. She closed the door of the language lab, told us all to proceed to our cubicles and she inserted the tape into the master console. It was from that point onwards that we had  twenty minutes of audio  ecstasy, for all 40 of us,  boys from 3G in Gan Eng Seng School in 1987 never knew what had made our teacher play that tape and we all heard Michael Jackson that day. For some it was their first experience listening to him. For me my first was in 1984, when Beat It came on air. On that day, we listened to BAD, Man in the Mirror, The Way You make me feel and Dirty Diana among others.

However the one that I liked most that day and the one I like till today from Michael Jackson is none other than Smooth Criminal. It was the chorus, and straining the ears trying to figure out what he was singing that ‘took me off my seat’. You bet, my listening skills were on overdrive mode that day. It was also the groovy, guttural, bass rock that one hears in the opening sequence that drew me to the song. By the end of the song, I was visibly palpitating, my heart pounded heavily and I heaved a 'whoo whooo' once the song ended.

Who would guess that we would  hear Michael Jackson in our school that day? And who would believe that Miss Kaur our strict English teacher would be our friend in crime? But more importantly, who would believe that on that day Michael Jackson became our idol.? From that day onwards whenever I need a perk me up song, it would be Smooth Criminal. The funny thing from all of this, is that Miss Kaur was never able to quite become the strict teacher that she once was. She became our cool, Michael loving teacher, and we all knew that he had a great, cool teacher. Often when we passed her, we could now see her smile and the twinkle in her eye, says it all. We loved her dearly.

Smooth Criminal became more than just a song to me and some of my buds. This was an anthem that rouses body and soul and if you had seen the music video , if you had seen Michael in his ‘take no prisoner dance moves’ you would not disagree with me.

This was the song of the 80s that has tremendous impact on most of us, male late 30 something Singaporeans today. For Michael was truly great the time I heard him in 87 and now. I wish that he found the peace that he has always been seeking for in his life. Thank You sincerely for all the memories. The beat is still in all of us who listened to you that day till  the rest of our lives. Thank You also to Miss Kaur and to my friend who bought the tape that day!

To my teenage idol, Michael Jackson, as how your brother Jermaine had said on CNN 'May Allah be with you all the time'. Inna illa wa inna illa Ro jiuin'. You may be forgotten, but the beat lives on in all of us. Thank You.!

Powered by Qumana

Stumped With Maths

Ok. I helped Fir with his Maths, and this sum took me from 8.45 to 10.15 pm to solve without even getting close to the answer. &*#!!

5) A bag contained some 20 cents, 50 cents and $1 coins. 1/3 of the 20 cent coins is equal to 2/3 of the 50 cent coins. There are 3/5 as many 50 cent coins as $1 coins. Given that the total amount of these coins in the bag is $23.10, how many coins are there altogether?

Do give this sum a try and tell me you did not get stumped. Thanks to Lai Fong for her help in cracking this for me. :)

Powered by Qumana

President Barack Obama's Speech to the Muslim World in Cairo Egypt 4th June 2009

I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam. (See pictures of people around the world watching Obama's inauguration.)

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings. (See pictures of Obama in the Middle East.)

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do — to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam — at places like Al-Azhar University — that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Jefferson — kept in his personal library.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores — that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity. (See pictures of Obama's Inauguration behind the scenes.)

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.

That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together. The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not — and never will be — at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths — more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace.

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future — and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron. (See pictures of Iraq's revival.)

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied. (See pictures of heartbreak in the Middle East.)

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed — more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction — or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews — is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people — Muslims and Christians — have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations — large and small — that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers — for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them — and all of us — to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true..

Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation — including Iran — should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.

There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways. (See pictures of Obama in the Middle East.)

Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld — whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit — for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action — whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.

I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity — men and women — to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations — including my own — this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities — those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek — a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many — Muslim and non-Muslim — who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort — that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country — you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion — that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples — a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

Powered by Qumana

Habib Hassan's Sermon 7th May on Baraqah, Ba'alwie Mosque

I thoroughly enjoyed Thursday's sharing. Let me  reproduce what was delivered to the best of my memory what was told by Habib. (oral tradition not being my strongest point). He was actually referring to a sollihin of the family name Al-Sagoff who frequented Ba'alwie mosque and passed away in 1982. There was a majlis (function) in which he reminded everyone of the importance of searching for rizeki. Habib was recounting what was told.

PART I

Habib said that according to the esteemed Almarhum Syekh Alsagoff, when searching for rizeki ( income, sustenance ) make sure its not just halal ( legitimate) but of Baraqah (Lord's Grace) There was a poor man who had a dream for which he was told by an old white bearded that he would get 1000 dinars. The poor man queried as to whether the 1000 dinars was of baraqah?, to which the older man in his vision replied NO. Upon hearing the reply, the poor man said that he will not accept the 1000 dinars

 On the second night he had the same dream. The old man with the beard appeared and told him if he wanted 100 dinars?, to which the poor man  asked the same question; is the money of baraqah?. The replied, similar to last night's was NO, it was not baraqah. Again he rejected the offer.

On the third night he had the same dream, for the old man with the beard reappeared and told him if he wants 10 dinar?, to which the poor man  asked the same question; is the money of baraqah?. The replied, similar to last night's was NO, it was not baraqah. Again he rejected the offer.

As the dreams took place, the poor man kept the dreams to himself, not uttering a single word to anyone else.

On the fourth name, the same apparition appeared in his dreams. This time, he was offered 1 dinar, in which he asked again; Is the rizeki of baraqah? This time round the answer was YES. The poor man, said to the old man that this time he could happily accepted the gift. The apparition told him where he could find the dinar. It was buried at the foot of a tree a few villages away.

The next morning, excited, he told his wife of his dreams over the last four nights. Incensed his wife scolded him by saying that their miserly lives would have improved if he had taken the 1000 dinars. She could not believe that her husband was so naive and  foolish in in rejecting such amounts of money. She mocked her husband by calling him 'Baraqah face'.

Her husband, undiminished in his exuberance, did not heed his wife's barbs and proceeded to locate the tree that he was told in his dream,. Upon reaching the tree in his dream, he dug up the ground and found the 1 dinar that his dream had foreclosed. Excited he went home and showed his wife the money. His wife grew into a fit of rage and refused to talk to him, not understanding how he could have wasted a golden  opportunity to provide a lifetime of income for his family.

Story goes that the the man then walked out of his house. He wanted to buy something with his dinar. He saw a man selling fish and he managed to buy 3 fishes for 1 dinar. Excited he brought it home. When his wife saw the fish, she became despondent, telling him now that the fish once consumed will be gone.And tomorrow the poverty will set in. She reminded him again of his foolishness for allowing a golden opportunity to slip by. As she was giving him a shelling, she was preparing the fish for dinner. As she cut one of the fish, to her surprise and delight came out , emeralds and precious stone that was infinite in value from its bowels.

Baraqah is important to us who have to work for a living. Our attitude, preparation, conduct to our clients, bosses, hard work and professionalism, makes the money that we receive more of value than one that is earned in a half-hearted way. For us teachers, the attention we put into our jobs, care we give our students, comfort to our colleagues and allegiance to our school and country whilst delivering important messages that has an impact on our students' future are testimonies of how it makes our rizeki into one of  baraqah.

I have always believed that  the food we put on our table must be of baraqah for it is going to be flesh and blood for our family members. If the source of the rizeki is illegitimate or not gainfully earned then bad will come out of it. But if it was acquired in the true spirit of duty and commitment tempered with a high degree of love and care, then we hope it is one of baraqah and only Allah will grant the blessing son to us. This parable underscored what I have always believed in about work, duty and the commitment expected towards work and earning a pay.

I will never be able to buy fish that has emeralds in them, but without sounding Riyaak (boastful), I hope, God willing I will never lose an opportunity to make meaning and a difference into the lives of students and teachers thrusted in my care. Insya'allah. Ya Rabbal Allamin.

(Apologies for the errors if any in trying to recall. Errors as usual are from me, knowledge and ilm from Allah swt)

Powered by Qumana

My Inspiration: Al Mulk (Surah 67) - The Dominion

In the name of Allah the most gracious and most merciful.

(1) Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things hath Power;-

(2) He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;-

(3) He Who created the seven heavens one above another: No want of proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of ((Allah)) Most Gracious. So turn thy vision again: seest thou any flaw?

(4) Again turn thy vision a second time: (thy) vision will come back to thee dull and discomfited, in a state worn out.


The first two lines are significant to be, in that life is meant to be a series of challenges that needed to be overcome and in the end it is our deeds that will get its full accounting. I believe challenges need not be a negation of the good life, it can also be in the form of blissful harmonious living. It is usually in times of bounty and plenty that we forget our roles, we do less of what we can in the service of God. It is usually in times of desperate need that the calls in the doa becomes more intence and filled with depair. Al Mulk reminds me of the power of the Lord, in which he proclaims suzerainty to all that is in this world. A tangent of this line also leads to the understanding that to each his own amal and it is God who will in the end judge everyone and not me. I am, but a candle, reminding only those I love by providing them with hidayah (as much as I could) so they would return to the righteous path. In this surah also, our Lord has challenged us to rise over the mundane and to accept all challenges, good or bad in our stride with iman and taqwa as our shield and armour. The rest of the sura' is on the fate awaiting the fallen and the rewards for those who overcame. Reading this early in the morning at 5.30 am while awaiting for Subuh, gives me a powerful sense of serenity and clarity to begin my day. My favourite surah of all is both truly inspiring as it is a clarion call, that it is my attitude and amal that will in the end determine my victory in the face of any challenge that Allah swt has set for me.

(Thank you to ustaz Kamaruzaman Affandi for making it clear to me at a service he conducted at Al Ansar mosque during haul for maulidin nabi in February this year.)

Powered by Qumana

Reflectivx

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

William Blake says it best in Auguries of Innocence when he mentioned about the speed in which time flies when you can consider eternity in an hour. Also the fact that there will be those who will see a piece of sand as only a piece of sand but there will also be those who can see the world in one grain. The point I am trying to make is really about reflection, and its inherent ability to make you think about what happenned today and how its going to affect tomorrow.

Reflection is key to the growth of any person. Animals dont reflect, only humans can. It gives us an evolutionary edge among other mammals as we will not repeat past mistakes and makes us wiser through the careful consideration of our options partly by choosing among choices that maximises our happiness. At the heart of this process of choosing and considering we will have to reflect on the viability of choices that we have, the process in which we reflect upon or even the need to reflect in the first place. I look at reflection in the broadest definition of the term. It includes any activity that gives someone an insight into his own self and actions.

The blog allows me to reflect.(Not having a blog,allows me to reflect too, but in a less organsied and systematic way, I must say)  Often time when I am in front of my laptop, clarity comes in and the words started to appear. I may not  be as lucid as I was earlier in the day, but through small notes that I kept, I try my best to piece together my thoughts. For it is the thought that gives meaning to one's existence. As it was said 'You may have lived, but have you really lived?'.

Many among us are contented to live life as an organism responding only to both internal and external stimuli. We eat, sleep, make love, defecate all within a day or two. Then there are those truly remarkable individuals who given the same constraints of time who could transcend their human limitations into achieving so much for themselves and those around them. (Our holy prophet, Muhammad s.a.w.for once) For it is through the artful process of reflection, I can differentitate my life from the daily mutinae of things into something that I really own for myself. (reminds me how Hannibal Lechter uses his mind to be mentally free, though he was being incarcerated in the movie Red Dragon)  Reflection liberates and empowers me not in the same fashions as a rebellious teen, or a wandering nomad would, but one that is grounded in conscience and faith. (iman and hopefully taqwa) By reflecting, the images I see and the images I produce becomes clearer and better.

In short, blogging allows me to reflect my personal journey. If along the way I can help a fellow traveller in this journey of life, through these words of mine, then I think my job is partly fulfilled. If along the way I reflected and instead of seeing a grain of sand, I saw  jannah, then the benefits are mine to own. If along the path of reflection, I become a better person, then the benefits are to those who matter dearly to me. For whatever reasons, or benefits I need to reflect and through it I slow down time into my own palm and hopefully can see eternity in an hour.

Powered by Qumana

Hiatus

Its been a long time since I have written on my personal blog 'A Noisy Singaporean'. Part of the reason is that I have discovered facebook, and its much easier to document things there then in my personal blog. Secondly the busy-ness of the working world, exacted a toll on my time, but again as they say even Michelangelo has 24 hours. All these I feel are excuses for not updating. However since this is my blog, do I really have to give a reason why I dont update? After all shouldn't I decide what I should put on it? and when I should? Do I have to justify to myself?

Upon pondering, and moving beyond the obvious reasons for not updating, I really can finger four possible reasons; firstly there were simply too many changes for me to update, reflect and write about. Yes its been about having Rayn, moving house, changing working environment, kids moving on to higher level of education, Faiz new working place, and the list goes on. It's been such a roller coaster that makes it seemingly difficult to give a polaroid shot of what is happening. And the emotions that goes with these changes ranges from tense excitement to sometimes brooding melancholy. Yes at some level it depresses me thinking that there are memorable moments in my life that I should but was not documenting.

The second reason for not blogging has partly to do with the notion of whether teachers should blog in the first place?. There has been, and I am sure even now teachers blogging and ranting off things that simply lowered their professional image. Teacher bloggers who ventilated on line have given the entire teaching fraternity who blogged a really bad reputation. I even went through a phase when I feel that I should stop blogging. But, since the inception of my blog in 2006, I have never ventilated or even suggest anything negative about teaching, my colleagues, my students or my bosses. These are things that are offline and out of bounds for public display. What you will see, if you plough through these pages of mine, is  a sort of album pics with a cheerful orientation to them (notice that every post has a pic?) and everyone looks good in them? If there was an earlier mission in having this blog in the first place (besides experimenting with a new technology and letting the techie in me out), it was instead to show that we teachers have 3 dimensional lives and one that is lively and enriching. As we wear many hats, from teaching, being a friend, buddies, army-bros, colleagues, father and son, I wanted the world to see this multi-dimensionality part of me that they normally would not get when I am performing one of the roles mentioned earlier.

My third reason for not blogging as much is the feeling that comes with 'been there and done that'. The excitement of showing where you've been, what food is on your dinner table, what new 'toys' you have, the funny signboards along East Coast Park, etc has waned off. This blog-whoring of myself, replete with pics, sort of annoys me, the more I think of it. My N95 which has an instant blog-send feature stopped sending pics even though it was 'blog-worthy'. Again the feeling of repulsion grew, as I questioned why I should post and tell the world that I am having a great time? or having an insightful moment?. As mentioned earlier, I can do it quickly via Facebook. Also why would a 36 year old person behave and act like 16 year olds in exhibiting his life online?, in the same manner? How would taking a picture of 'Milo Dinosaur' and posting it under Food make a difference to my life and those who read it?

Finally and the most important reason for hiatus is that of the feeling of nothing to give anymore. (Cant remember but sounds like it came from a lyric of a song) I have read in John Maxwell's books that to share anything, you must have something to give in the first place. 2007 to early 2008 was a real tough year. Emotionally I felt pressed, wedged in the middle by so many demands imposed on me. (At times I could hardly breathe). Some constants in my life have been shaken. Pysically I was out of shape. Gained lots of weight, wasnt exercising  and was out of whack. Dont really feel good about myself, so then, how can I share? how to look perky? or sound chirpy online?. Spiritually I was feeling low, , or have I strayed away from him? Why didnt prayers work on me? Why could I get back the emotional satisfaction that I was seeking? and what was justifiably mine? So the short stump, is that when I felt and became drained, there was a feeling that there is nothing to share. Hence hiatus was the outcome.

But for my own sake, I had to will myself to  move on, and  the need to look ahead becomes even more critical. I had to dig deep inside me to bring out had always made me tick - my faith!. I have to put myself together and late last year, the answers came falling in place .... like the unexpected rainbow that I saw outside my house (see pic), emerging after the tropical storm. Continue to blog into my side. You will see what beautiful posts on the wonderment of live and living it to the fullest according to God's will. Insy'allah

Powered by Qumana

Inspiring Monday 9th March 2009

As part of my offical HOD duties, I was rotated together with the other heads to give an inspiring speech to our students on a  Monday morning after flag raising.  It took me since the beginning of the year o really thin through what I wanted to say. Without sounding pedantic, I opted for a more 'fun, I know you' type of speech that connects more with the heart than in the mind. I made sure it ended positively and would lead to rousing action. I really hope I have succeeded in this. :)

Good Morning Mrs Poh, Mrs Koh, colleagues, boys and girls. This is week 10, and it also marks the end of term 1. I am amazed at the speed of which time flies. What I want to share with you this morning is about how an individual can make a difference to himself and those around him.

On 11^th March, Manchester United will meet Inter Milan in a crucial Champions League Match. The match will be shown at 3:45 am Wednesday morning. Can you imagine anyone, waking up at such a bad time only to watch 22 men chasing a round ball in Wembley stadium? If you have a chance to talk to this person, and ask his reason for watching the watching the match at such an unearthly hour, you will get a simple reply.

‘I want to!’ ‘I want to watch the match live’. For someone like me, I will not be up at 3.45 am to watch the game, and my reason is ‘I do not want to’. Such personal declarations are important as they are the spark plugs that make someone ‘wake up’ or do what seems impossible or difficult while the rest of us stand still in awe.

In the Unites States there was a man who was born in 1961 in Hawaii, to a Caucasian mother and an African father. The father left his mother when he was two years old. He was raised by his single-mother and later his grandparent. He grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia where he spends a great part of his child hood, and later studied at high schools and universities in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Through hard work and sacrifice, he overcame what seemed like impossible odds and through scholarships given to him because of his academic performance he went to Columbia University in New York City and later Harvard University, both being the finest schools not only in the US but also in the world. His story does not stop there, he has one other goal. That is to be the President of the United States and on Nov 4, 2008 he defeated a highly decorated Vietnam era war hero by the name of John McCain to  become the first African Amercian President of the United States. His name? Barack Hussien Obama, the 44^th President of the USA.

What is amazing about President Obama, is that he was a nobody in 2005. The then president George Bush became alarmed when he saw a Congresswoman in the White House wearing a button that says ‘Vote Obama’. ‘Don’t worry’, said the Congresswoman from Illinois. It’s Obama with a ‘b’ not an ‘s’. He is a talented Democratic candidate who is vying for the US Senate. President Bush was still suspicious, ‘Well I don’t know him’, he said. The Congresswoman simply said, ‘Yes you will.’ Obama once said that nothing of value could come out without hardwork and sacrifice. His road to the White House is a living testimony to this statement.

What it means to everyone here is that you need to have a goal that is so powerful that it can electrify you into doing things that require a lot of hardwork or sacrifice. These goals or dreams may be something like wanting to go to the best Junior Colleges in Singapore, or pursuing highly coveted courses in the Polytechnics or wanting to study Higher Nitec courses in the ITE. It can even be a goal like wanting to make sure your CCA wins gold in the SYF or even as simple as wanting to be a better friend or staying loyal to your football team as they compete in the Champions League.

In all of these, you need to work hard, remain focussed and constantly respond to the many setbacks that you may encounter. The goals that you have set must be powerful enough to push you into action, and raise you up when you are down. Can you imagine in 2005 when President Obama confided that he wants to become president of the USA? People had laughed and mocked at him, and many felt that he was a day dreaming or even building castle in the air. I am glad he has proven his critics wrong. Now that we are reaching the end of the term and you will be getting your CA 1 reports soon, I would like you to revisit your personal goals, and see if it still holds true for you. Has it electrified you into action? Has it made you work harder and smarter?  If it has not, you will need, to reflect and reconsider what’s next?

I like to end by quoting the Talmud which says, ‘If I am not for myself who will be, but if I am only for myself, what am I?’ To which Macbeth might have replied: If I am only for myself. I am ‘but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and is heard no more.’ Macbeth has dreamt all his life to seize the kingship, but all he had in the end was a ‘tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing. So as you set your goals and dreams do let them be dreams not just of what you can gain out this life, but of what you give with it. With hardwork and sacrifice an Andersonian can move mountains.

Thank You.

Powered by Qumana

Me doing great

Since the NDP festivities is in the air, its been great for the last 43 years. ( I have been around in the last 36 of them) Though the 'Singapore system' doesn't allow much political expression, (and this is really not my peeve)..I want to say thank you for the powers that be for allowing me to live the life I want to live, raise my children in a safe and positive environment, to own property, have good medical healthcare and finally practise my religion to the fullest extent possible. For all these and the magical moments that I get everyday with my students and friends, its feel good to be a noisy singaporean.

Anderson has been a great working environment for many reasons, and like swiss I am thankful to all who made it a wonderful place to work and teach.

One significant thing that happened over the last week, was I got my facebook account. So lets be friends ok.

Cheers!

whats up with me :)

Hi Everyone,

Yes I know, its been a long time since I posted. Between Jan to now, I was away for about half a year, and Yypepad is making lotsa money off me. I like to begin by saying some apologies.

1) To Iskandar Zulkarnaen- I am so sorry of not being able to contact you in time for your wedding. Really if anyone out there knows his email add, please forward to me at kmaludin@starhub.net.sg. Somehow, typepad dont allow me to contact you, even if you leave comments to me.. duh!. I wish you all the best in your future endevours!

2) To Hannah, Michelle and guys of RJC 2AO1E, class of 98. So sorry again for being out of touch. Met Mich at Park Mall the other day, got her card, hope to meet up with you guys soon. Dont forget wedding invites..yeah?

3) Huay Ting - Swiss. Again I know you tried hard to contact me, but was really busy (still no excuse). Please  email me straight at kmaludin@starhub.net.sg. Promise i will get back to you, ASAP.

4) Yep, for those of you who might have heard or not, I left Swiss on 23rd June 2008. I joined my new school Anderson Sec, as Head Humanities. No particular reason why I moved, just that being in Swiss for 5 and the half years was a good, satisying experience, and I felt that I needed to move on, and to experience new things. (BTW I spent 5 years in RJC too). Its the Mr K's 5 year plan I guess:) .. (in the same league as Lenin's, Stalin's 5 year plan)

5) Lots of things developing on the home front. I will post some pics soon. Also I finally got my Mac (whoo hoo!!). Mac rox!.. Fir got circumscised inJune.. Rayn can walk and Dot is looking ever prettier.

6) Leave comments ya.. so I know, and really I am hoping to meet up as many of you soon. Taiti anyone? .. hahahah!!!

Dec Holiday 07 with kids

4:24 PM Saturday, November 10, 2007 10112007999

OK, we brought the kids to vivocity and here me and faiz got completely ripped off. There is a teddy bear shop that sells these toys at astronomical prices. Here you can dress the bears and pick up accessories for them. It comes complete with birth certificates. Call it mass customisation or whatever, each bear with their clothes (which cost as much as a real human's pair) costs $70, and this does not include flashy shoes, guns, ski masks or army fatigue (depend on what theme you like to adorn the furry critters) . One pair cost the kids $140. Fir named his bear Hardey, while dot called hers Princess Aurora....Sigh! this was how the kids decided to spend part of their Hari Raya money. Anyway, the bears are now decorating their bed frames and sitting there, staring, doing nothing....

First Week of Holz

okie. here's the run (pun well intended) down. Its been a great week where I felt energized. I am now loving something that I used to hate - exercise!!. I would jog to West Coast Park. Here I would choose route A or B. B is a longer one that brings me to the playground at McDonalds and a nice view of the shoreline and the beautiful yachts at RYC. B is  the shorter route that cicrles the pond and the dog park at the end of the running track. Both routes are perfect at 5-6 pm daily. Yesterday was great cos I managed to run all the way, along pasir panjang road, past heng mui keng and up the hill next to Hon Sui Sen library. The incline of the hill really worked my butt muscle off. But the feeling of reaching the top and seeing the clock 29:57 was exhillirating. My workout yesterday was legs. So I did, hip adduction, leg presses, and intersperse with Lat pulldowns. I can feel my strength coming back and its great.

Just to add, I spend the whole afternoon 1-4.30pm watching prison break - the concluding episodes. The finale SONA was really exasperating @#$!%%!%!. Yes there will be season 3...escape from SONA.

But if there is anything to go by, besides Fir and Dot's exam, things are great at home and I am enjoying the holz so far..